Snap action opening means for a container



Oct. 11, 1966 3. F. HUTCHEON 3,278,068

SNAP ACTION OPENING MEANS FOR A CONTAINER Filed June 1, 1964 2 Sheets-Sheet l FIG. I .2 FIG. 2 15 k I r VII" INVENTOR. CHARLES F, HUTCHEON ATTORNEY Oct. 11, 1966 c, HUTCHEQN 3,278,068

SNAP ACTION OPENING MEANS FOR A CONTAINER Filed June 1, 1964 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG. 5

INVENTOR. CHARLES F. HUTCHEON SQ MMA K Q ATTORNEY United States Patent 3,278,068 SNAP ACTION OPENING MEANS FOR A CDNTAINER Charles F. Hutcheon, Roslyn Heights, N.Y., assignor to Forest Plastics, Inc., Westbury, N.Y. Filed June 1, 1964, Ser. No. 371,530 21 Claims. (Cl. 2220-54) This application is a continuation-in-part of my copending application for Snap Action Pull Tabs, Serial No. 287,308, filed June 12, 1963, now US. Patent No. 3,135,- 409, granted June 2, 1964.

This invention relates to improved, sealed containers having opening means integral therewith and more particularly to such opening means having a domed fingergripping end portion.

Tear strips formed integrally with a sealed container are well known in the prior art. Particularly in the field of containers used for packaging of edibles such as coffee, beverages, etc., the prior art tear strip presents some difficulties to the user.

The most common, widely used tear strip has a free end which is adapted to be wound about a special key provided with the container. The free end of the tear strip is usually quite stiff and lays flat against the surface of the container. In order to initially engage the key, it is first necessary to pry up the end of the strip so that it is spaced from the container. Rather than search for a suitable implement to properly position the free end of the tear strip, the average individual will try to do it by any means available, usually a fingernail. Frequently this results in braking of the fingernail or injury to the flesh under the nail.

Another type of tear strip which does not require a key is currently gaining popularity. As before, the elongated tear strip is provided with marginal edges that are scored partly through. The end of the strip has secured thereto a free tab end of somewhat heavier rnaterial than the strip itself. To use this type of container opening means, it is necessary to pry up the free ended tab and then pull so that the strip overlaying an opening in the container body is cut along the score lines.

An individual particularly a housewife opening a container of the prior art without the use of tools or implements usually attempts to pry up the tab with a fingernail. By so doing, she runs the risk of incurring very bad cuts or breaking her fingernails. Neither alternative is desirable and accordingly, means must be provided to avoid these possibilities.

One embodiment of the present invention provides a tear strip having marginal scored edges with a domed tab end portion adapted to be grasped. The periphery of the flexible domed portion lies flat against the container until it is desired to open the container. At that time, inward finger pressure against the dome of the tab causes the periphery thereof to snap outwardly from the container surface. Thus gripping means are provided by which the tab may be engaged by a key or otherwise pulled by grasping with the fingers themselves.

Several embodiments of the present invention are presently contemplated, all employing the principle of opening a container by first raising a deformable, flexible domed tab end. The instant invention may be employed with a tubular metal container, such as a coffee can.

Therein a tear band having marginal scored edges is inj of the invention as applied to a Alternatively, the domed tab may be employed on the top of a metal can. Again, pressing inwardly on the flexible, deformable dome lifts the end thereof to provide gripping means for the removal of the scored portion of the container top. The scored portion may be in the form of a pouring opening of any suitable shape or the scored portion may be so positioned that substantially the entire top is removed.

Still another application of the present invention is in conjunction with a nonmetallic package such as a plastic blister package. Normally a plastic bubble or well of suitable shape is adhered to a backing such as cardboard. The present invention may advantageously be employed to open the package by providing a flexible, defonmable dome at a point on the periphery of the package and by providing that the domed tab portion is [free of the package. The tJa-b is raised by depressing the central portion thereof, thus providing a free tab that may be gripped by the users fingers.

Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide a deformable pull tab on a tear strip integral with the container.

Another object is to provide a container having a tear strip with an integral, deformable convexly domed tab end.

An additional object is to provide a tear strip with an integral, deformable convexly domed tab end that lies substantially flush with the outer surface of the container.

A further object of this invention is to provide a tear strip with a tab end of the type described that may be utilized on a metal container.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a tab end of the type described that may be utilized on a plastic container.

These and other features, objects and advantages of the invention will, in part, be pointed out with particularity and will, in part, become obvious from the follow ing more detailed description of the invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, which fonrns an integral part thereof.

In the various figures of the drawing like reference characters designate like parts.

In the drawing:

FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of a metallic container employing the domed convex tab end of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross sectional view taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2A is an enlarged view similar to FIG. 2 showing the dome of the tab end depressed into a concave configuration;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross sectional View taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 4A is an enlarged view similar to FIG. 4 showing the dome of the tab end depressed into a concave configuration;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of still another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5A is a plan view similar to the FIG. 5 embodiment and illustrating an alternative arrangement thereof.

FIG. 6 is an end elevation view of the FIG. 5 embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a plan view of an additional embodiment of the present invention wherein a plastic container is utilized;

FIG. 8 is an elevational View of the FIG. 7 embodiment; and

FIG. 9 is a plan view of an alternative embodiment plastic container similar to the FIG. 7 embodiment.

FIG. is a partial elevation view in section showing an alternative embodiment.

Referring now to the drawing and in particular to FIGS. 1, 2 and 2A, a metallic container 10 comprising an inner shell 11a and an outer shell 11b is illustrated. Tear strip 12 is formed proximate the upper portion of the container, which may be hermetically sealed to package coffee, by scoring two parallel circumferential lines 14a and 14b to define a severable band 15. The free end of band 15 may be enlarged or broadened by flattening to form :a flexible, deformable tab 16, which is provided with a convex dome portion 18 of lesser thickness than the remainder of the band. A feature of this embodiment of the invention, best illustrated in FIG. 2, is that tab 16 is seated within a recess 20 formed in the container side wall. Thus the edges of the tab end are not exposed in a manner which may cause injury to the user.

As shown in FIG. 2A, radially inward pressure, as may be provided by the users finger, will cause the normally upward, flexible convex dome to assume an upwardly concave attitude, which is indicated as 18'. The upwardly turned peripheral edge of tab 16 offers means to grip the tear strip so that it may be pulled away from the container body. In this embodiment, the entire top of the container is severed and becomes the replaceable cover.

FIGS. 3, 4 and 4A illustrate the invention being used to form a pouring opening in a metallic beverage container generally designated as 22. Cover member 24 is conventionally secured to body member 26 and is adapted to have a pouring opening 28 formed therein. Tea-r patch 30, having a line '32 scored thereabout, to define the pouring opening, is integral with cover 24. At one end, tear patch 30 has a tab 33 provided with an upwardly convex flexible and deformable dome 34, the marginal edge of which, in the normal position, lies flat on the cover memher.

To open the container, the flexible domed tab end is depressed inwardly. As may be seen in FIG. 4A, the dome assumes an upwardly concave appearance indicated as '34 as a result of the downward finger pressure. The upwardly disposed marginal edge of dome 34' affords a gripping area so that tear patch 30 may be pulled from the can to form opening 28 defined by line 32. It is to be understood that line 32 may be scored to define almost any size or shape opening. The tab end may also be seated in a suitably sized and placed depression in the cover member, if so desired.

' FIG. 5, FIG. 5A and FIG. 6 represent modifications or alternatives to the embodiment shown in FIG. 3. Tab end 40, having an upwardly convex flexible and deformable dome 41, is positioned on the side wall of can body 42 proximate the juncture of the body and cover member 44. The can body and cover are conventionally secured to each other. As in the previous embodiment, the tab end is aflixed to a tear patch or strip 46 which is defined by score lines 48a and 48b. However, the score lines may also be formed so that the entire top of the container may be removed by pulling the tab end. FIG. 5A illustrates the embodiment where the entire top may be removed. Prime numbers are used on the reference characters to denote the general similarity with the FIG. 5 modification.

The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 utilizes the present invention with a nonmetallic package such as a plastic blister adhered to a backing material. These packages are well known and may include plastic backing material of the same material as the blister, or of a different material, such as cardboard.

' Package 50 is comprised of a base portion 52 and an upper portion 54 comprised of an article receiving blis ter 56 and a marginal flange 58. Upper portion 54 may be sealed to the base portion 52 along flange 58 by heat sealing or other conventional means consistent with the material used. Upwardly convex flexible dome 64 is 4 formed on an unsealed corner 66 which is comparable in function to the free tab ends of the previous embodiments.

It will be seen then that the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 will function in much the same manner as the embodiments described heretofore. Downward finger pressure on flexible dome 64 will cause the upwardly convex configuration to change to upwardly concave. Gripping means are thereby provided so that the corner 66 may be readily seized and pulled to separate upper portion 54 from base portion 52.

Of interest is the embodiment of FIG. 9. Normally, in order to minimize the overall size of package 68, the blister portion 70 occupies substantially all of the package and marginal flange 72 is quite narrow. In order to be conveniently accommodated, the flexible dome 74 is elongated as, for example, in an oval shape.

All of the embodiments hereinabove described incorporate integral, flexible deformable gripping means. In one condition, prior to actual usage, the gripping means lies flat on or below the surface that will be torn. In the other condition, when the package is about to be opened, the gripping means stands away from the package surface. To go from one condition to the other, all that is required is inward finger pressure. No special tools are needed and the fingernails are not used to raise the gripping means. The device is adapted equally well to usage with both metallic and nonmetallic containers.

The device may be arranged to lie on top of the surface that will be torn or it may be contained with a depression so that it is substantially flush with the surface prior to being pressed inwardly. In each embodiment, the tab end of the tear strip is provided with an upwardly convex flexible and deformable dome that is converted to an upwardly concave configuration by means of a slight inward finger pressure.

A plastic band such as polyethylene may be sealed over the two mating portions of the container to complete the seal and serve as a tear strip.

FIG. 10 is a partial elevation view in section showing an alternative embodiment wherein two opposed members and 81 are each provided with domes 82 and 83, respectively. The opposed members are sealed together along flange portions 84 and 85 leaving flange portions 86 and 87 free.

When pressure is applied as shown by arrows P, the domes pop and the free portions 86 and 87 open. This pressure is readily applied between thumb and forefinger.

There has been disclosed heretofore the best embodiments of the invention presently contemplated and it is to be understood that various changes and modifications may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. A tear strip for providing an opening in a sealed container, said tear strip comprising:

(a) an elongated band removably secured to a portion of the container, said band having a free end;

(b) a tab integral with the free end of said band; and

(c) an upwardly convex dome characterized by a continuous unbroken peripheral edge, said dome being formed in said tab end, said dome being flexible in a single plane of curvature when bent but substantially inextensible, whereby pressing down on said dome causes said dome to buckle, becoming upwardly concave to thereby lift said tab end into position for grasping.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein the container surface is provided with a depression and said tab is seated in the depression whereby said tab is substantially flush with the remainder of the container surface.

3. The device of claim 1 wherein said tab and said dome are positioned on a side surface of the container.

4. The device of claim 1 wherein said tab and said dome are positioned on the top surface of the container.

5. The device of claim 1 wherein the container is provided with a marginal flange portion and wherein said tab and said dome are positioned thereon.

6. The device of claim 5 wherein said domeis noncircular in shape.

7. A tear strip for severing a sealed container cover from the body thereof, said tear strip comprising:

(a) an elongated band removably secured to two separable parts of a container, said band having a free end;

(b) a tab integral with the free end of said band; and

(c) an upwardly convex dome characterized by a continuous unbroken peripheral edge, said dome being formed in said tab end, said dome being flexible in a single plane of curvature when bent but substantially inextensible, whereby pressing down on said dome causes said dome to buckle, becoming upwardly concave to thereby lift said tab end into position for gripping.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the container is tubular and said tear strip is a circumferential band disposed on the side of the container proximate the top thereof.

9. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the container has a top wall, side walls depending from the top wall, a peripheral flange portion extending outwardly from the side walls and a base member enclosing the container and wherein said tear strip is a peripheral band defining the marginal, flange portion proximate the juncture of the side walls and the flange.

10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said band is provided with an upwardly convex deformable dome having a noncircular base on said tab thereof.

11. A tear strip for providing an opening in a container, said tear strip comprising:

(a) an elongated band removably secured to the top of the container and overlying an opening therein, said band being disposed in diametrical relation to the container top, said band being defined by a pair of parallel score lines formed therein, said band having a free end;

(b) a tab end integral with the free end of said band;

and

(c) an upwardly convex dome characterized by a continuous unbroken peripheral edge, said dome being formed in said tab, said dome being flexible in a single plane of curvature when bent but substantially inextensible, whereby pressing down on said dome causes said dome to buckle, becoming upwardly concave to thereby lift said tab end into position for gripping.

12. A tear strip for providing an opening in a sealed container, said tear strip comprising:

(a) an elongated band removably secured to the top of the container, said band being circumferential and disposed proximate the periphery of the container top, said band being defined by a pair of score lines formed therein, said band having a free end;

(b) a tab integral with the free end of said band; and

(c) an upwardly convex dome characterized by a continuous unbroken peripheral edge, said dome being formed in said tab, said dome being flexible in a single plane of curvature when bent but substantially inextensible, whereby pressing down on said dome causes said dome to buckle, becoming upwardly concave to thereby lift said tab into position for gripping.

13. A tear strip for providing an opening in a sealed container, said tear strip comprising:

(a) a tear patch removably secured to the top of the container and overlaying an opening therein, said patch being defined by a peripheral score line formed thereabout, said patch having a free end;

(b) a tab integral with the free end of said patch; and

(c) an upwardly convex dome characterized by a continuous unbroken peripheral edge, said dome being formed in said tab, said dome being flexible in a single plane of curvature when bent but substantially inextensible, whereby pressing down on said dome causes said dome to buckle, becoming upwardly concave to thereby lift said tab into position for gripping.

14. An improved sealed container comprising:

(A) a tubular, hollow body portion having an open end and a base closure member formed integrally with the end opposite the open end;

(B) a cover portion removably secured to the open end of said container body portion;

(C) a removable tear strip sealingly joining said body portion and said cover portion, said tear strip having a free end, said tear strip further comprising:

(a) a tab integral with the free end of said strip;

and

(b) an upwardly convex dome characterized by a continuous unbroken peripheral edge, said dome being formed in said tab, said dome being flexible in a single plane of curvature when bent but substantially inextensible, whereby pressing down on said dome causes said dome to buckle, becoming upwardly concave to thereby lift said tab into position for grasping.

15. The device of claim 13 wherein the container surface is provided with a depression and said tab is seated in the depression whereby said tab is substantially flush with the remainder of the container surface.

16. An improved sealed container comprising:

(a) a tubular body portion having a bottom closure member and a top closure member integrally secured thereto, the top closure member having a pouring opening formed therein;

(b) a tear patch removably secured to the top closure member of said container and overlaying the opening therein, said patch being defined by a peripheral score line formed thereabout, said patch having a free end;

(c) a tab integral with the free end of said patch;

and

(d) an upwardly convex dome characterized by a continuous unbroken peripheral edge, said dome being formed in said tab, said dome being flexible in a single plane of curvature when bent but substantially inextensible, whereby pressing down on said dome causes said dome to buckle, becoming upwardly concave to thereby lift said tab end into position for gripping.

17. An improved sealed container comprising:

(a) a first section having a top wall, side walls depending therefrom, and a peripheral flange portion extending outwardly from the side walls;

(b) a second section secured to the flange portion of said first section;

(c) said first section and said second section being sealingly joined along a portion of the peripheral flange portion thereof to define a sealed portion and a free portion having a free end; and

(d) an upwardly convex dome characterized by a continuous unbroken peripheral edge, said dome being formed in said free portion, said dome being flexible in a single plane of curvature when bent but substantially inextensible, whereby pressing down on said dome causes said dome to buckle, becoming upwardly concave to thereby lift said free portion into position for grasping.

18. The container of claim 17 wherein said dome has a noncircular base.

19. The container of claim 17 wherein said first and second sections are both provided with deformable domes, said deformable domes being positioned opposite each other in a concave-concave relationship whereby pressure the domes to change to a convex-convex relationship.

20. An improved sealed container comprising:

(a) a tubular body portion having a bottom closure member and a top closure member integrally secured thereto, the top closure member having a pouring opening formed therein;

(b) a tear strip having substantially the peripheral size and shape as the top closure member, said tear strip :being define-d by a pair of score lines, said tear strip having a free end;

(c) a tab integral with the free end of said strip; and

(d) an upwardly convex dome characterized by a continuous unbroken peripheral edge, said dome being formed .in said tab, said dome being flexible in a single plane of curvature when bent but substantially inextensible, whereby pressing down on said dome causes said dome to buckle, becoming upwardly concave to thereby lift said tab into position for grasp mg.

21. An improved sealed container comprising:

(a) a tubular body portion having a bottom closure member and a top closure member integrally secured thereto, the top closure member having a pouring opening formed therein;

(b) a diametrically disposed tear strip removably secured to the top closure member-and overlaying the pouring opening therein, said tear strip being defined by a pair of Score lines, said tear strip having a free end;

(c) a tab integral with the free end of said strip; and

(d) an upwardly convex dome characterized by a continuous unbroken peripheral edge, said dome being formed in said tab, said dome being flexible in a single plane of curvature when bent but substantially inextensible, whereby pressing down on said dome causes said dome to buckle, becoming upwardly concave to thereby lift said tab into position for grasping.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 687,174 11/1901 Zucker 220 54 1,704,234 3/1929 Young 220 54 2,166,783 7/1939 Munk 220 27 2,941,660 6/1960 Tupper 220-54 2,978,140 4/1961. Walsh 220 54 3,195,764 7/1965 Fried et a1. 220 s4 5 THERON E. CON-DON, Primary Examiner.

G. T. HALL, Assistant Examiner. 

1. A TEAR STRIP FOR PROVIDING AN OPENING IN A SEALED CONTAINER, SAID TEAR STRIP COMPRISING: (A) AN ELONGATED BAND REMOVABLY SECURED TO A PORTION OF THE CONTAINER, SAID BAND HAVING A FREE END; (B) A TAB INTEGRAL WITH THE FREE END OF SAID BAND; AND (C) AN UPWARDLY CONVEX DOME CHARACTERIZED BY A CONTINUOUS UNBROKEN PERIPHERAL EDGE, SAID DOME BEING FORMED IN SAID TAB END, SAID DOME BEING FLEXIBLE IN A SINGLE PLANE OF CURVATURE WHEN BENT BUT SUBSTANTIALLY INEXTENSIBLE, WHEREBY PRESSING DOWN ON SAID DOME CAUSES SAID DOME TO BUCKLE, BECOMING UPWARDLY CONCAVE TO THEREBY LIFT SAID TAB END INTO POSITION FOR GRASPING. 